ALA Creates ‘Scorecard’ To Help Libraries Manage Licenses

The American Library Association (ALA) has created a new report to help libraries manage eBook licensing terms, called “The Business Model Scorecard.”

The scorecard helps inform librarians about the different variables involved in library eBook license contracts to help them negotiate eBook licensing deals with publishers. The objective is to give public libraries ideas to craft their own contracts. The report breaks down 15 different eBook contract variables for libraries, including factors such as eBook pricing and access to patrons.

Here is an excerpt from the report: “All ebook titles available for sale to the public should also be available to libraries. Libraries may choose not to purchase some titles if restrictions or prices are deemed unacceptable, but withholding titles under any terms removes the library’s ability to provide the services its patrons need and expect.”